AFC World Series closes with champions and celebration in Lagos

For four thrilling days in Lagos, the AFC World Series delivered a spectacle that blended fierce battles inside the cage with entertainment, fan energy, and a new promise for African combat sports. Fighters were not only chasing medals, but also competing for a place in history as part of the continent’s first officially recognised private MMA ranking platform.

The tournament’s impact went beyond victories. Rising star Victor Obadaya admitted his gold medal win came with mixed emotions after defeating a teammate. “I was happy that I won, but I was not able to celebrate because he was my teammate. I take everyone in my team as a brother,” he said. Still, his ambitions are clear — to represent Nigeria at the Olympics and eventually take his skills to the UFC.

Building African pathways
The Nigerian Mixed Martial Arts Federation (NMMAF) president, Henry George, praised the level of competition and stressed the importance of giving athletes enough exposure before turning professional. “We are laying the foundation — the amateur system, the ranking system — so they can build proper records. With platforms like this, our fighters will be ready for the world,” he explained, noting Nigeria’s preparations for the upcoming World Championship in Georgia.

Lagos at the centre of sports growth
For Lekan Fatodu, Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, the AFC event confirmed Lagos as Nigeria’s sporting hub. “We’ve hosted archery, fencing, table tennis, badminton, and now martial arts. Lagos State is the epicenter of sports in Nigeria — and also of sports economics,” he said. Fatodu added that the state is committed to supporting athletes holistically, through entrepreneurship, scholarships and mental health initiatives, to ensure sustainable growth beyond the arena.

Aswani’s big vision
For AFC founder Raad Aswani, the Lagos debut was the start of something bigger. “No one has done this in Africa before. This is the first step in creating a pathway from amateur to professional MMA on the continent,” he said. He explained that winners would progress to the Next Contenders Tournament later this year, bringing them closer to professional status.

But he also made a passionate call for backing: “Every cent has come from our pocket. Now that you’ve seen the quality of what we’ve done, I urge sponsors and government to join us so this remains a homegrown African product that lasts for generations.”

Star power and entertainment
The Lagos show was more than cage fights. The crowd was treated to live performances and entertainment throughout the week, turning the event into a full festival. The final day brought extra excitement when Nigeria’s UFC star Sodiq Yusuff joined the commentary team, giving fans expert insights and adding international flavour to the championship bouts.

The AFC World Series may have crowned new champions in Lagos, but its bigger triumph was proving that Africa’s fighters — and its sports scene — are ready for the global stage.